HOMEOWNERS around the district could potentially save thousands with a new program of bulk-buying solar panels being organised by Clean Energy for Eternity.

A fully installed 1-kilowatt panel of solar photovoltaic cell will cost homeowners between $1000 and $2000 and could save as much as $350 a year in electricity bills.

The grand plan was to install 1000 systems across the region by Christmas.

“It could save $350 a year which means it is paid off in five years and could earn $10,000 in its 30 year life,” CEFE group founder Matthew Nott said.

Mr Nott gave credit to group member and Bermagui resident Prue Kelly who initiated the bulk-buy program.

Mr Nott said the bulk-buy program required at least 30 people to sign up in each community within a 25-km radius.

Ms Kelly had already signed up more than 30 homeowners in Bermagui and it was hoped another group of 30 would come forward in Narooma.

He said his own 1-kw system on his Tathra home cost $14,000 about three years ago, so the savings were remarkable.

There were some conditions.

Applicants had to earn $100,000 or less and the paperwork had to be complete by July 1 when the Government’s energy rebate ran out.

Mr Nott said the plan was to continue the bulk-buy after July, but this low price would probably not be repeated.

The bulk-buy was being down through Pyramid Power based in Pambula and the panels were high-quality, Chinese produced units with a 25-year warranty.

The fully-installed systems were hooked directly into the national power grid and any power not used would be put back into the system potentially earning low power users hard cash.

But wait it gets even better.

For each group of 30 homes signing up, Pyramid had agreed to donate a 2-kw system to a worthy community group in that community.

Mr Nott said in Bermagui that would be the Little Yuin Preschool, while in Tathra the system would go to the local Rural Fire Service Brigade.

In Narooma, he was open to suggestions but the idea was for it to be some “life saving” group such as the RFS or Coastal Patrol.

The Big Swim series had already raised enough funds to install 2-kw systems on six surf lifesaving clubs with two more on the way.

For more information, check out www.cefe.net.au or contact Pyramid Power directly.

Taking the plunge

THE second annual Narooma Life Saving Energy Big Swim took place on Sunday attracting 78 swimmers.

The swim was part of Clean Energy for Eternity’s series of Big Swims that raised funds for renewable energy and in the case of the weekend’s swim, a 50/50 profit split between the Narooma to Dalmeny shared pathway and Surf Club.

Local organiser Lin Wilton from the Narooma Surf Lifesaving Club said this year there were a few more swimmers than last year.

“Unfortunately due to clashing sporting calendars, many potential entrants were unable to compete, which somewhat affected numbers”.

Swimmers were divided into serious swimmers and fun swimmers departing the Narooma bridge in groups starting at 10am, making their way to Bar Beach.

The winner of the competitive group was Nic Spalding, who completed the 2km swim in 17 mins 58 secs.